Doctors Wary of Painkiller PrescriptionsA federal crackdown on physicians who allegedly prescribe too many painkillers may be having unintended consequences for patients. A new study, soon to be released, shows doctors have become more conservative in prescribing painkillers -- and some patients may be suffering unnecessarily as a result. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports.

A federal crackdown on physicians who allegedly prescribe too many painkillers may be having unintended consequences for patients. A new study, soon to be released, shows doctors have become more conservative in prescribing painkillers — and some patients may be suffering unnecessarily as a result. NPR's Patricia Neighmond reports.